Girl, 11, Loses Eye, Hand To Firecracker

CHICAGO — An 11-year-old girl lost her right hand and eye after she lighted a large firecracker in her West Side apartment Friday afternoon, police said.

Erica Amos, who also suffered burns and injuries on her face, was in critical condition in Cook County Hospital, a hospital administrator said.

The accident occurred about 3:45 p.m. when the girl found and lighted what was described as a M-250 firecracker. It had been brought into the apartment in the 600 block of North Lockwood Avenue by Erica's 19-year-old uncle, who also lived there, said bomb and arson Sgt. Bruce McElrath.

The uncle, Brian Patton, was charged with reckless conduct, police said. It is illegal to have possession of such a powerful firecracker, authorities said.